What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
The process of professional teeth whitening is simple, non-invasive, and can change the colour of your natural tooth by targeting and removing stains.
Our teeth naturally darken as we get older. Our lifestyles can lead to our teeth becoming stained and discoloured, both inside and on the tooth's surface.
Many factors affect the changing colour of your teeth, including:
- Foods and beverages like coffee and red wine
- Smoking
- Dental hygiene upkeep
- Accidents
If you'd like to brighten the colour of your teeth, our dental team can help you determine if whitening your teeth is right for you.
At Accent Dental, we offer Zoom! In-office teeth whitening.
Treatment Options To Fit Your Lifestyle
It's up to you whether you whiten your teeth in our office, or at home!
Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve a whiter, brighter smile, however you want to! This is why we offer two treatment options – in our office with our dental team, or a custom process you can do at home. Either way, you'll be on your way to a more radiant smile!
What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?
Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. Having a brighter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Teeth whitening treatment is designed to remove stains from the outer layer of your teeth. Additionally, having a bright, white smile may even encourage you to improve your oral hygiene in order to maintain it.
How Teeth Whitening Works
Teeth whitening works by using a peroxide-based gel that gel breaks down stain molecules. This can result in a whiter, brighter-looking smile. The peroxide gel is non-toxic, non-allergenic, and very safe to use.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Our in-office teeth whitening option can safely, efficiently, and effectively whiten your teeth. First, our dentists will apply a barrier around your gums to protect them, and then a thin layer of whitening gel is applied to each tooth. After your treatment, your teeth should appear visibly whiter.
Personalized Take-Home Teeth Whitening
You can also achieve a whiter and brighter smile at home by following our at-home whitening process. When you choose the take home whitening option, we'll make custom impressions of your bite and create trays specially moulded to you.
When you're at home, you'll apply a whitening gel to these trays and wear them according to the directions given by your dentist.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening.
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How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening is unfortunately not permanent. Drinking beverages like wine and eating foods like berries can contribute to new stains forming.
Depending on diet, the effects of whitening may last longer for some people than others. If you keep up with a healthy oral hygiene routine, you may just need a touch-up after one year or so.
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Does insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening?
Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of teeth whitening as it is a cosmetic treatment. Check with your insurance provider to confirm whether they will cover any of the cost.
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Does teeth whitening make teeth more sensitive?
Some patients may experience minor sensitivity when having their teeth whitened. This usually fades in the first few days after treatment.
To minimize any discomfort, we recommend that you use an anti-sensitivity toothpaste before treatment, and for at least two weeks following your treatment.
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Do teeth whitening products work on all stains?
Brown and yellow stains typically respond well to teeth whitening treatments, though certain stains may be resistant to whitening.
If having a whiter smile is important to you, but your teeth have non-responsive stains, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic treatments such as dental crowns or veneers that may be a better fit for you.
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Does teeth whitening work on dental restorations?
Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and will not work on restorations such as dental crowns or veneers. If crowns or veneers are part of your treatment plan, teeth whitening should occur before you receive dental restorations.
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Will teeth whitening damage my tooth enamel?
When used under the supervision of a qualified dentist, teeth whitening is unlikely to damage your dental enamel.
If you experience any pain, sensitivity, or discomfort anywhere in your mouth, tell your dentist right away. Even if it’s not a whitening-related issue, they will be able to help.